Alkaline and Lithium Batteries

Frequently Asked Questions about Alkaline and Lithium Batteries

Why are they called "Alkaline" batteries?
The alkaline battery chemistry was first introduced in the early '60s. They get their name from the alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide in their chemistry. When the zinc and manganese (IV) oxide are consumed during use, the alkaline electrolyte remains.

How do you dispose of alkaline or lithium household batteries?
These batteries can be safely disposed of with your regular trash. The use of mercury was phased out of use with alkaline batteries, meaning they aren't nearly so toxic when disposed in landfills. A few communities do offer recycling or collection of used batteries, so contact your local government for other options.

Can you mix different brands of batteries?
You shouldn't mix different brands of batteries. Not all batteries are made to the same specification, so the chemistry and voltages can vary across both battery brands and types. For best results, replace all batteries with the same brand, chemistry, voltage, and size whenever you need to use new batteries.